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The venoarteriolar response in diabetics
1Cardiovascular Institute, Chieti University, Pescara, Italy.
Angiology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Diabetic microangiopathy impairs skin blood flow and the venoarteriolar response (VAR), especially with neuropathy. This dysfunction contributes to edema and capillary changes in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Physiology
- Diabetic Complications
Background:
- Diabetic microangiopathy affects small blood vessels.
- Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate skin blood flow and venoarteriolar response (VAR) in diabetic patients.
- To assess the impact of neuropathy on these vascular functions.
Main Methods:
- Laser-Doppler flowmetry was used to measure resting skin blood flow (RF) and VAR.
- Studies were conducted on normal subjects, diabetics with microangiopathy, and diabetics with both microangiopathy and neuropathy.
Main Results:
- Resting skin blood flow was elevated in patients with microangiopathy and neuropathy.
- The venoarteriolar response (VAR) was significantly impaired and delayed in diabetic patients, particularly those with neuropathy.
- The microangiopathy index (VAR/RF) was markedly reduced in diabetics with neuropathy.
Conclusions:
- Postural control of foot skin blood flow is compromised in diabetic microangiopathy, especially with neuropathy.
- Increased skin blood flow and impaired VAR may lead to edema and capillary basement membrane thickening in diabetes.